What is Evolution?

We emerged into plant life, and into the animal state, and then into being human, and always we have forgotten our former states, except in early spring when we slightly recall being green again.

That’s how a young person turns towards a teacher.

That’s how a baby leans toward the breast, without knowing the secret of its desire, yet turning instinctively.

Humankind is being led along an evolving course, through the migration of intelligences, and though we seem to be sleeping, there is an inner wakefulness that directs the dream, and that will eventually startle us back to the truth of who we are.”

— The Story of Evolution

— Rumi, 13th Century

1.17.2012

Things Left Behind

Happy New Year Ones and ones

To date it's been almost half a year since I left Japan.

Yup, 6 months since I've been back home.

And boy have I been enjoying the cool Jamaican Xmus breeze after a nice warm day at the beach.

You never know what you have until it's returned to you, right?

Which brings me to the topic of todays blog, I guess.

Things left behind.

Like the life, things and relationships I gained and cultivated while I was in Japan.

People I may never see again. Things I will never feel or experience again.

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会, literally “one time, one meeting”)

Almost 2 years later, my tattoo takes on such a greater meaning to me now.

As I gently traverse through the Book of Genesis I am reminded of Lot's wife being warned to never look back.
Her fate: A pillar of salt.

However, despite extremely dire circumstances, I've found it necessary to glance back from time to time and give thanks for the road I have travelled thus far.

Triumphs and failures, all my own.

Things collected and things I had to leave behind.

The good news is that in this day and age of advancing technology and transportation it has become increasingly easier to keep in touch with loved ones and such.